Comments on On An Overgrown Path: Recycling Shostakovich and Beethoven

..and here is the answer as to why the Borodin Qua...

2005-10-15T15:57:00.000+01:00

..and here is the answer as to why the Borodin Quartet play Shostakovich's 2nd Quartet before the 1st.

This is the text of an exchange of emails betwen the Norwich cycle organisers, and Igor Naidin (viola) of the Borodins kindly provided by the organisers.

Sent: From organisers 08 July 2005 16:43
Subject: Borodin Quartet - Shostakovich Cycle March 2006

1.The order of quartet play is strictly chronological except in concerts 1 & 2. I can see that there is a reason of timing for the proposed order of 4 & 6 then 5 in the second concert, but I cannot see why Quartet 2 should precede No 1 in the first concert. We would prefer the whole series to kick off with No 1 – would the quartet agree?

Many thanks

REPLY FROM IGOR NAIDIN

1. The Quartet was always performing Shostakovich cycle in the following order:

nn. 2,1 ;3 (first quartet is too "modest" to start the cycle with, while n.2 starts with Ouverture).This proved to be good for beginning.

nn.4,6;5

nn.9;7,8

nn.10,11;12

nn.14,13;15 (with candles where permitted)

The day after I posted this article the brochure a...

2005-10-15T07:24:00.000+01:00

The day after I posted this article the brochure arrived for the Shostakovich Quartet cycle here in Norwich by the Borodin Quartet in March 2006 (see Norfolk & Norwich Music web site) .

This is a major event as the Borodins have a direct line to Shostakovich, and it is their only European cycle of the Quartets in the composer's anniversary year. The Borodins played a wonderful Beethoven cycle in Norwich last year which I had the privilege of attending.

They are playing the Shostakovich Quartets in strictly chronological order, except for Nos 1 and 2 which are reversed. I have asked the question why, and will keep you posted.

With thanks to Rodney Lister who pointed out I had...

2005-10-13T14:53:00.000+01:00

With thanks to Rodney Lister who pointed out I had the wrong key for the Beethoven Quartets Op. 59#1 - I've now corrected it.

I should point out that the Slee Beethoven Cycle web site has the same error!